July Buff of the Month: Shu-Wei Tseng (DMA'10)
Forever Buff Shu-Wei Tseng (DMA'10) is an acclaimed musician celebrated for her outstanding technique and musicality. She has performed in prominent concert halls across four continents, demonstrating her skills as a soloist and chamber musician playing piano and cello. She serves on the faculty of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.听
Since 2024, Shu-Wei has been part of the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, a volunteer group offering strategic advice to the 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 Alumni Association. Representing the university鈥檚 alumni, they work to foster pride and increase engagement with Forever Buffs.听
Besides her musical and teaching pursuits, Shu-Wei has a keen interest in science, especially neuroscience. Her MS in psychology complements her music degrees and deepens her interest in the connection between music and scientific research, enriching her music teaching approach.听
What led you to choose 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 for your doctoral degree in Musical Arts?听
While researching where to pursue my DMA, I came across a music recital program featuring a 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 graduate. That chance discovery led me to learn more about the university, and I was immediately drawn to its strong reputation in both music and the sciences. Combined with Colorado's breathtaking landscape 鈥 often referred to as the "Switzerland of America" 鈥 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 offered the perfect environment in which to complete my final degree.听
What is your favorite 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 memory?听
Attending faculty concerts with my new friends was one of the highlights of my time at 蜜桃传媒破解版下载. These performances were among the most inspiring experiences of my student years. Unlike my experience in Europe, where students often have to seek out their professors' concert schedules and pay their own travel expenses to hear them perform, 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 offered the remarkable opportunity to experience world-class faculty performances right on campus. Two of my professors (Doris and Ozwald Lehnert) helped launch the college鈥檚 popular Faculty Tuesdays recital series in 1999.听
Watching professors demonstrate on stage the very techniques, artistry and musical ideas they taught me each week was both inspiring and humbling. Seeing their teaching come to life in performance deepened my understanding of the music and reinforced everything I was learning in the studio. It also gave me an even greater appreciation for their extraordinary artistry and musicianship.听听
Having such exceptional performances woven into campus life was a rare privilege 鈥 one that profoundly enriched my education and left a lasting impression on my further development as both an artist and an educator.听
If you could pick one song to capture your Forever Buffs experience, what would it be?听
鈥,鈥 the song written by Common and Diane Warren, performed by Common and Andra Day.听
What inspired you to stay connected with the university beyond graduation?听听
My time at 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 was an emotional journey 鈥 one filled with challenges, but also with meaningful relationships and unforgettable experiences. Along the way, I met extraordinary mentors and lifelong friends who enriched my journey and helped shape both my personal and professional growth. I have remained involved because I value those connections and believe the experiences, perspectives and skills I gained can help support and inspire current and future 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 students.听
You鈥檝e conducted workshops and masterclasses across four continents. What has been the most surprising thing that you鈥檝e learned in teaching the next generation of musicians?听
The amount of information and the wealth of resources available today far exceed anything we could have imagined just a generation ago. While this unprecedented access offers remarkable opportunities, it also presents new challenges. In a culture that prizes speed and efficiency, we should be cautious about equating faster with better. One thing that has particularly surprised me is how rarely students ask themselves why 鈥 the question at the heart of meaningful musical interpretation.听
The real challenge is finding a balance: embracing the efficiency of modern tools and physical stamina, while allowing learning to unfold deeply, thoughtfully and organically.听
What advice would you give to fellow Buffs about building a professional music career?听 听听
The priorities of your education should evolve with each stage of your life. As an undergraduate, choose a professor who has the time to mentor you, rather than one whose frequent travel results in inconsistent lessons or substitute teachers. These formative years are when close mentorship has the greatest influence on your growth as both a musician and a person.听
For postgraduate study, broaden your horizons. Study in different cities or countries, explore diverse musical traditions, research historical contexts and learn from teachers and peers whose backgrounds differ from your own. These experiences cultivate not only artistic maturity but also a broader perspective on the world. By embracing different cultures, pedagogical approaches and ways of thinking, we become more thoughtful musicians and more compassionate global citizens.听
Music is a universal language, and with that comes a responsibility to learn, question, explore, exchange ideas, teach and pass on knowledge. In doing so, we honor both the composers whose works we perform and the audiences with whom we share them.听
How can Forever Buffs support you, or how can they check out an upcoming performance?听
and social media platforms are regularly updated, including my new , to share upcoming projects and opportunities.听
Forever Buffs can support these efforts by helping me connect with students, alumni and prospective Buffs who may be interested in collaborating or simply meeting up. Together, we can create meaningful events and experiences for the entire 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 community and accomplish wonderful things.听
Shu-Wei Tseng
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